< Back to Tour List Mixed Media Art on the West Coast of Ireland with Carol Panaro-Smith May 28-June 7, 2012 The village of Mulranny is tucked away on the banks of Clew Bay across from majestic Croagh Patrick Mountain. Heather Rise House is located in this tiny quiet village. Resting on the hillside with dramatic panoramic vistas of the sea and sky, it is truly an artist's paradise. The rugged unspoiled beauty and peaceful solitude of this area provide a perfect setting for the creative spirit. Begin your journey in the exciting city of Dublin where you will be staying your first night at Bewleys Ballsbridge Hotel. After your arrival, spend the rest of the day exploring Dublin's bustling city streets, lively pubs and quaint shops. Meet fellow participants at a welcome dinner at the hotel that evening. The next day after a morning visit to the National (art) Gallery in Dublin, the group will embark on the beautiful three and a half hour train ride to County Mayo, where a private bus will meet the train and take you to Heather Rise House-your home for the week. Art studio time will be shared with daily activities such as beachcombing and local coastal walks, including low tide walks to a few of the islands in the area. Planned outings will include the following: visits to Achill Island, with its stunning coastlines and beaches; the monastic ruins of Burrishoole Abbey; the 15th century tower house castle of pirate queen Granuaille; walk/bike rides on the beautiful new 12 mile Western Greenway; a local pub dinner, and shopping in the charming town of Westport. Farewell dinner your last night in Dublin. Accommodations Heather Rise house has 3 living rooms, two spacious art studios, wireless internet and computer for guests. A variety of private and semi-private rooms, many with shared baths are available, and will be assigned according to date of attendee's registration. Retreat will be limited to 10 participants---so early registration is advised. Cost Cost of the art retreat is $2495.00 US, based on double occupancy at Dublin Hotel. Single supplement for 2 nights at hotel in Dublin is $250.00 (hotel rate is based on December, 2010 currency conversion, subject to change). A $300.00 deposit will hold your place. Register by February 1, 2012 and receive a $125 discount. What is Included Cost includes all breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners, 2 nights at Bewleys Ballsbridge Hotel in Dublin (based on double occupancy), 7 nights at Heather Rise House, all art supplies, art instruction, day tours and excursions, and ground transportation throughout the tour. Airfare to Dublin or Shannon airport is not included. Registration To register or for more information contact: Painted Desert Art & Cultural Tours bonnie@painteddesert.com 602 826 2345 Also be sure to check out information on The Essence of Mulranny at www.eomworkshops.com and Artist Carol Panaro-Smith at www.alchemy-studio.net About Carol Panaro-Smith Carol Panaro-Smith received her MFA at Arizona State University and her BS in Art Education from Suny at Buffalo. Her work in mixed media has been exhibited extensively for over two decades. Carol’s area of specialization is alternative photographic processes, mixed media and book arts. She teaches workshops nationally and at Alchemy Studio in Phoenix, where she is founder and director. For the past five years Carol has been collaborating with her husband James Hajicek. Their collaborative work is represented by several major galleries and has been collected internationally. Most of Carol’s professional career has been focused on bringing interdisciplinary artistic endeavors into the community. She has taught mixed media classes at Scottsdale Community College in Arizona and is presently program director of Art Intersection USA located in Gilbert, Arizona. Her passion for cooking, traveling and art making are testimony to a life of interconnection.